So much has happened since the last edition of the IMA, what
with the Holidays of Christmas and New Years and last but not least
the tragic and shameful assassination of our beloved President. I
feel I must mention it, for I feel we as a nation, were sick at
heart this Holiday season as the result of such an unbelievable
event. But we must go forward with ‘vigor’ so that John F.
nation may not have died in vain. My hope and prayer is that this
sorrowful event will bond us all together in fellowship and we will
stand side by side as brothers, as God intended, and at the same
time, may it drive us to our knees for guidance which we as a
nation and as individuals need, and remind us (while we’re on
our knees) of the many great and wonderful blessings we yet
possess.
A note from Les Halloway of Wauota, Sask., Canada who writes,
‘I would like to see someone write a good article on how wagon
spokes and wheels were made, what type of equipment and etc. was
used up through the years. Also, I would like more model makers to
describe how they made their castings on their models.’ And
then he asks, ‘Has anybody a good design for a home foundry for
both aluminum, brass and cast iron?’ Well, you letter writers,
here is your chance to write Les.
I’m glad so many of you folks responded to Hermon
Liechty’s letter that was in last month requesting pictures.
You have made him so happy. Here is his letter to us and after
reading it, I feel ashamed I ever gripe about anything. He writes:
‘Friends, I want to thank all the people who sent magazines and
pictures and fine letters to me in the hospital. My album
collection is steadily growing and more is coming every day. I knew
there were some wonderful people but, I didn’t know there were
so many. I do believe some were reading it wrong. Believe me, I do
not feel sorry for myself. I’ve seen too many people in real
bad shape to feel sorry for myself. Besides, God is bigger than all
of us and He will take care of me. I’ve had 3 years to see
others that are sick. Thank you all again and God bless you.
‘Harmon Liechty, Sr., 2400 Morton Ave., Elkhart, Indiana.
And from Andrew Mair, R. R. 4, Chesley, Ontario Canada One steam
engine I have never seen a picture of or write-up about is the
Cornell Engine. My father threshed with one for a few years. It was
a portable with wooden wheels like the old farm wagon. I also would
like to see a write-up about the Eagle tractors. They were an
American tractor sold here in Canada by the Waterloo Threshing
Machine Company. I used one to drive a saw-mill and really liked
the old monster. Hope to see some pictures of them.’ Anyone
have pictures or stories on these makes? Let’s hear from
you.
Otto Moen of Fertile, Minnesota writes us that ‘In the
Nov-Dec. 1963 issue, Loffelmacher of Fairfax, Minn. got a picture
of a 1911 tractor (can you name it?) This tractor is an
Emerson-Brantingham 3060 Big 4 and the picture sent in by M. Glass
of California for identifying is a Case 20-40 2 cylinder opposed
and it is a 1918-1919 model I have these 2 makes of tractors in my
collection of catalogs of tractors.’
Here’s an invitation to write to Harry Yates of 3775Herman
Ave., San Diego, California He likes the Iron-Man Album and quote
‘I wouldn’t know how to get along without it. Through its
pages, I find so many new friends to write to and swap yarns and
experiences. We have all led the same kind of a life and enjoyed
every day we spent at it. The thrill of pulling a throttle and feel
of power surge through those iron lungs as the old steamer obeyed
the hand of her master-what I wouldn’t give –to back one into
a belt once more. But those pleasant memories are all I have left.
All you fellows who have a chance to still pull a throttle just
think of a buddy who is not so fortunate. Must fold the belt for
now. I hope to hear from some of you old time engineers. Let’s
swap yarns?’ (You know when I get fed up with life and tired of
working and along comes letters like these – makes me feel real
good -after all this magazine is bringing alot of good folks
together). Anna Mae
I must say before closing that we have just had one of the worst
snow storms to hit this area for a long time-18 inches and blowing
in drifts every where – I guess to a lot of folks that’s not
much, but around here Pardner it surely slowed up us Folks. I
don’t know – seems like we need something like this every now
and then to remind us we’re not so big and powerful as we like
to thing – for with all our moderm equipment and machinery, when
the Lord wants to slow us up a little – there are ways – and snow
is one of them – why I’ll bet families saw more of each other
this last weekend than they’ve seen of each other in months,
for meetings and everything was cancelled and there was no place to
go if you wanted to unless you shoveled your way there and you know
how far we’re going to go under those conditions. Yes, it has
its drawbacks, but I think the Man at the controls knows what he is
doing – for I’m sure families got to know and enjoy each other
a little more the last few days.
STEAMCERELY Anna Mae
